Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stressed on Friday that the aggression and perversion of the U.S. government will be met with Cuba's resolve to confront the worst-case scenarios and resist the impact of imperialism.
His remarks came after the United States imposed sanctions on him and several other individuals and entities on Thursday, ramping up pressure on the island country.
The U.S. Treasury Department has added Diaz-Canel, as well as four other individuals and five entities, to the Specially Designated Nationals List, according to an update posted on the department's website. The newly listed entities include Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
In a post released on the social platform X, Diaz-Canel said "these measures are aimed at reinforcing the blockade and escalating the conflict between Cuba and the U.S."
He said the U.S. political blindness is in line with the coercive measures applied in recent weeks against Cuba, which are designed to harm the people of the country.
Cuba vows resistance against new US sanction
Miami is gearing up to host seven matches of the upcoming World Cup and present the world its deep-rooted soccer culture, but unfavorable traffic conditions around the venue and a looming hurricane season could steal the show.
Thanks to a large Latin American immigrant community, where Argentine, Brazilian, and Colombian traditions blend, Miami boasts one of the most robust soccer cultures among American cities. The city's enthusiasm for the sport was supercharged in the summer of 2023 when Argentinian star player Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, leading the club to a league title.
Recent surveys show that more than 80 percent of residents in South Florida say they will actively participate in World Cup-related events. However, their passion may be tested by traffic congestion.
The seven matches will all take place at the Miami Stadium, also known as the Hard Rock Stadium. Originally built for American football, Formula One racing, and other sports, the venue has installed sod rolls for the World Cup. With a capacity of about 65,000, the stadium sits in a suburban area with no direct subway connection.
To ease traffic pressure, organizers have launched free round-trip shuttle services for verified ticket holders connecting the stadium with four intercity bus hubs, including downtown Miami.
Yet, with limited capacity, the shuttles will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be no guarantee of punctual arrival at the stadium due to likely traffic jams.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season is posing a more serious threat to the event, as it overlaps with the World Cup schedule. Miami lies in a hurricane-prone zone, and worries are emerging that matches could be postponed or even canceled due to storms.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the tournament but the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries, will take place from June 11 to July 19. Its 104 matches will be hosted by 16 cities -- 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
FIFA announced on Tuesday that all 1,248 players of the 48 teams at the World Cup have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to the world soccer governing body.
Miami's World Cup passion faces traffic, weather tests
